Who Should I Start? Jalen McMillan or Jalen Coker

Monday, January 13, 12:30 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Jalen McMillan caught two of his four targets for 41 yards during Sunday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. It was a below-average performance from the rookie receiver, who snapped a five-game touchdown streak in the defeat. He had found the end zone seven over during this five-game window, ranking as the overall WR7 in half-PPR leagues during that span. McMillan did a great job filling in for Chris Godwin (ankle) down the stretch, and the rookie's emergence is likely enough to convince the Buccaneers that re-signing Godwin isn't a high priority. The University of Washington product offers a nice complement to Mike Evans, and the two should continue to form a solid one-two punch for years to come. McMillan remains a strong fantasy WR3 going forward, especially if he can prove that his nose for the end zone in 2024 wasn't a fluke.

Tuesday, May 27, 2:51 PM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jalen Coker (undisclosed) is working off to the side during Tuesday's practice as he deals with a soft-tissue injury. This move is out of an abundance of caution, according to head coach Dave Canales. After going unselected in the 2024 NFL Draft, Coker had a relatively productive rookie season. He secured 32 of his 46 targets for 478 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games. The Holy Cross product was on the fantasy football radar on occasion last season and earned at least five targets in five games. While the team added first-round wideout Tetairoa McMillan in the 2025 NFL Draft, Coker could emerge into a full-time starter if Adam Thielen continues to get banged up in his age-35 season. Either way, he should be left on the waiver wire in traditional leagues since he'll likely start the year behind McMillan, Thielen, and 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette.